Like the Panthers, the Devils got off to a strong start on the penalty kill.
Keeping the game tied, they stopped their fifth power play early in the third period.
“We were in a good position for a tied Game 3,” Rodriguez said. “We just couldn’t find the next goal. Our power play has to be a little sharper. It looked good, but I don’t think it was good enough. One goal would have made the difference.”
Unfortunately, that goal was a failure for New Jersey.
Beating hot-blooded goaltenders in the only way a team can, the Devils managed to take the lead when Timo Meier chipped a shot from Simon Nemec wide and past Tarasov to make it 2-1 at 6:23.
Continuing to play in the offensive zone, the Devils got another goal when Dawson Mercer dove and punched the puck to Nico Hischier. Nico Hischier put a shot into the back of the net from the slot to make it 3-1 at 11:47.
The Panthers, who had built a 6-on-5 advantage with Tarasov in, appeared to be within reach when Sam Reinhart lit up the lamp with 1:17 left. However, shortly after the lights went out, the referee waived the goal due to interference from the goalkeeper.
The Panthers contested the call, but it was ultimately upheld, even though Anton Randle screened Allen on goal and made minimal contact at best, as if it didn’t interfere with the New Jersey goaltender.
Even officials seemed confused when the decision was announced – you’ve probably seen the footage on social media.
Asked about the unusual ending, Maurice said, “I think they figured it out by the end.”
The Panthers, currently 3-3-0, will be looking for their first road win on Saturday at Buffalo.
“Samoskevic’s game tonight was good,” Maurice said. “I think he had the jumping ability. Rodriguez plays really smart hockey. I don’t think there’s much to brag about after that.”
they said it
“If you look at our history, there’s no difference between a home game and a road game. There still is. But if we had played that game at home, we would have lost. I don’t think the venue makes a huge difference in the outcome.” – Paul Maurice
“Their go-ahead goes six feet wide and he just hits his stick at it. Sometimes it just goes to the net, right? Sometimes it bounces around and it’s a chaotic play. Maybe that’s something we have to work on a little bit.” – Evan Rodriguez
“We have a really great D here. They really help me on the ice. Off the ice, they’re a really great group to have here. They support me here every day.” – Daniil Tarasov
cat statistics
– Brad Marchand became the first Panthers player over the age of 37 to score in five straight games since Jaromir Jagr (2016-17).
– Evan Rodriguez has scored at least one point in four of six games this season.
– Anton Randell went 7-for-10 (70%) from the faceoff circle.
– Seth Jones had a team-high six hits.
– Gustav Forsling and Luke Kunin each blocked three shots.
– According to NaturalStatTrick.com, Daniil Tarasov made eight high-danger saves.
What’s next?
The Panthers will look to snap off a three-game losing streak when they face the Buffalo Sabers at KeyBank Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
To find out where you can watch the game, visit FloridaPanthers.com/CatsOnTap.
